Culture
Tour (details)Chiang Mai is a city rich in history
(Chiang Mai's 700th Anniversary was celebrated in 1996) with a distinct
beauty and heritage of its own. Blending Burmese, Laotian and Indian cultures,
the Lanna culture is unique. In addition to special dishes found only in
the North, the people of Chiang Mai have their own dialect, their own customs
and their own Lanna architecture, immediately recognizable on the ancient
temples that can be seen everywhere in the city. (...)

Doi
Suthep Route (details)A steep road meandering for 12 km (7.5 miles) up the flanks of the mountain ('Doi') leads to Doi
Suthep - the beautiful and cool location of Wat
Prathat and the Royal Winter palace west of Chiang Mai.
On the way, the Kruba
Srivichai Monument is a popular halting-place where you can pay your respects and perhaps say a prayer.
After Doi Suthep, the road continues to climb through pine forest to Phuping
Palace, a summer residence of the royal family, on Doi
Buak Ha, 22 kms from town. 3Km from there you find the Meo
tribal village of Doi Pui - which will give you vignettes
of modern hilltribe life.

Northern
Route (details)The Pong Yang Elephant Training Camp- where elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills - is the main destination of a 30 km tour along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, inside the Mae Sa Valley. Along the road are many tourist attractions like the Mae
Sa Waterfalls (an eight level waterfall which occupies
a tranquil setting amid gigantic trees) and the Mae
Sa Butterfly Farm (where a large variety of beautiful butterflies are raised in a spacious garden; the farm also provides opportunities for visitors to admire plenty of exotic orchids). You have the option of stopping at the Chiang Mai
Snake Farm to safely observe these dangerous reptiles.

Western
Route (details)
A few kilometres from town on Highway 108 heading toward Hod - are located woodcarvingand lacquerware
shops. The shopping area - which also includes many ceramic, silver
and bamboo crafts stores - continues until Km. 15. These shops provide you
with the opportunity to observe woodcarvings and neo-antiques being made.
58 kms southwest of Chiang Mai is the town of Chom Thong, home of the handsome Wat (Temple) Prathat Si Chom Thong, a popular temple with Thais and tourists alike.
After Chom Thong, the road leads to Doi
Inthanon National Park, a 1,005 square kilometre area which includes Thailand's
highest mountain and areas of dense virgin rain forest.At the foot of the mountain you find the lovely Mae
Klang Falls, Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall. After a 45 minute drive, you have arrived at the highest point in Thailand, 2,595 meters (8,514 ft) above
sea level. Located at the summit is a shrine to Chao Inthanon, a former
prince of Chiang Mai. You can stop for the view, take a short nature walk
through the rain forest and then go back down the mountain to Km. 41 where
two remarkable chedi have been recently built to honour their Majesties King Bhumibol
and Queen Sirikit.

Eastern
Route (details)A 13 km
stretch of the Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng road is lined by handicrafts
factories and shops where you have the opportunity to
observe the craftsmen and women at work and purchase their fine products.The famous Sankampaeng
Hot Springs are just a 30 minute drive from Chiang Mai. The hot springs boil continously and emit a strong smell of sulphur. You can enjoy watching the thermal geysers
rising inside the beautifuly landscaped flower gardens within the park
area.